Central Scotland Documentary Festival

Central Scotland Documentary Festival 2025

Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF) returns from 30 October to 3 November 2025 with its most ambitious programme yet.

This year’s five-day celebration of real stories and radical voices opens with the provocative and timely The Marbles, diving into the ongoing debate surrounding the Parthenon Marbles. The festival wraps on a nostalgic high with Still Pushing Pineapples, a heartwarming deep-dive into the life of 80s pop icon Dene Michael of Agadoo fame.

From personal journeys to global reckonings, CSDF 2025 presents a rich international selection of films that challenge, entertain and enlighten. Highlights include two standout works by award-winning British filmmaker Jeanie Finlay, who will host an exclusive masterclass and be honoured with the Stirling 900 Award at the festival’s signature gala event, A Doc, A Dinner and A Drink. Her acclaimed documentaries Seahorse: The Dad Who Gave Birth and The Great Hip Hop Hoax will also screen as part of a special retrospective.

For the first time, CSDF introduces a dedicated Sessions and Events Programme, curated by filmmaker and curator Oliver Guy-Watkins. This new strand features Filmmaker Roundtables and an intimate Fireside Chat with a guest director, offering emerging and established creatives unique spaces to connect, collaborate and spark new ideas.

Volunteer at CSDF 2025

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help bring this year’s Central Scotland Documentary Festival to life. As part of the CSDF volunteer team, you’ll be right at the heart of the festival - meeting audiences, supporting screenings and events, and helping us create a brilliant atmosphere across the weekend.

No previous experience is needed - just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.

More information can be found here.
Applications are open until Wed 8 Oct, 12 Noon.